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OBJECTIVES: Many cats do not see a veterinarian on an annual basis, and their caregivers face many barriers to accessing veterinary care. A potential solution to overcome some of these barriers is video telemedicine. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand companion cat caregivers perceptions of using veterinary video telemedicine with their cats. METHODS: An online quantitative questionnaire was used to survey US cat caregivers on their experiences of and attitudes to using video telemedicine with their cats. Participants were required to reside in the USA, be the primary caregiver of at least one cat and be aged 18 years or older. RESULTS: The majority (97.3%) of the 1254 respondents indicated they had never used a video telemedicine appointment with their cat(s) before; however, most (85.7%) indicated they were very or somewhat interested in using video telemedicine with their cat. Overall, caregivers perceived video telemedicine visits as less stressful for themselves (P

Recent emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks, such as that of SARS-CoV-2, have demonstrated the need for wider companion animal disease surveillance. We tested 1000 dogs and cats belonging to employees of a US veterinary hospital network that were exposed to human COVID-19 cases in the household between 1 January 2020 and 10 March 2022 for SARS-CoV-2 and surveyed their owners about clinical signs and risk factors. The seropositivity was 33% for 747 dogs and 27% for 253 cats. Pet seropositivity correlated with the US human case rates over time, exhibiting peaks corresponding with the major COVID-19 surges. Antibodies persisted longer than previously documented (828 days in dogs; 650 days in cats). Increasing age and duration of proximity to infected people were associated with increased seropositivity in dogs but not cats. Cats were more likely to have clinical signs, but an association between seropositivity and the presence of clinical signs was not found in either species.

ObjectiveAfter the 2012 Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) CPR Guidelines, this is an update of evidence-based consensus guidelines for Basic Life Support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and periarrest monitoring.DesignThese RECOVER CPR Guidelines were generated using a modified version of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system for evidence evaluation and translation of this evidence into clear and actionable clinical instructions. Prioritized clinical questions in the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) format were used as the basis to conduct systematic literature searches by information specialists, to extract information from relevant publications, to assess this evidence for quality, and finally to translate the findings into treatment recommendations. These recommendations were reviewed by the RECOVER writing group and opened for comment by veterinary professionals for 4 weeks.SettingTransdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice.ResultsA total of 40 worksheets were prepared to evaluate questions across the 3 domains of BLS, ALS and Monitoring, resulting in 90 individual treatment recommendations. High-dose epinephrine is no longer recommended, and atropine, if used, is only administered once. Bag-mask ventilation is prioritized over mouth-to-nose ventilation in nonintubated animals. In addition, an algorithm for initial assessment, an updated CPR algorithm, a rhythm diagnosis tool, and an updated drug dosing table are provided.ConclusionsWhile the majority of the BLS and ALS recommendations remain unchanged, some noteworthy changes were made due to new evidence that emerged over the past 10 years. Indirectness of evidence remains the largest impediment to the certainty of guidelines formulation and underscores an urgent need for more studies in the target species of dogs and cats.

ObjectiveTo systematically review evidence on and devise treatment recommendations for patient monitoring before, during, and following CPR in dogs and cats, and to identify critical knowledge gaps.DesignStandardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to peri-CPR monitoring following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by Monitoring Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co-Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk:benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4 weeks prior to finalization.SettingTransdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice.ResultsThirteen questions pertaining to hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic monitoring practices for identification of cardiopulmonary arrest, quality of CPR, and postcardiac arrest care were examined, and 24 treatment recommendations were formulated. Of these, 5 recommendations pertained to aspects of end-tidal CO2 (ETco2) measurement. The recommendations were founded predominantly on very low quality of evidence, with some based on expert opinion.ConclusionsThe Monitoring Domain authors continue to support initiation of chest compressions without pulse palpation. We recommend multimodal monitoring of patients at risk of cardiopulmonary arrest, at risk of re-arrest, or under general anesthesia. This report highlights the utility of ETco2 monitoring to verify correct intubation, identify return of spontaneous circulation, evaluate quality of CPR, and guide basic life support measures. Treatment recommendations further suggest intra-arrest evaluation of electrolytes (ie, potassium and calcium), as these may inform outcome-relevant interventions.

ObjectiveTo systematically review evidence and devise treatment recommendations for basic life support (BLS) in dogs and cats and to identify critical knowledge gaps.DesignStandardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to BLS following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by 2 Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by BLS Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co-Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk to benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4 weeks prior to finalization.SettingTransdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice.ResultsTwenty questions regarding animal position, chest compression point and technique, ventilation strategies, as well as the duration of CPR cycles and chest compression pauses were examined, and 32 treatment recommendations were formulated. Out of these, 25 addressed chest compressions and 7 informed ventilation during CPR. The recommendations were founded predominantly on very low quality of evidence and expert opinion. These new treatment recommendations continue to emphasize the critical importance of high-quality, uninterrupted chest compressions, with a modification suggested for the chest compression technique in wide-chested dogs. When intubation is not possible, bag-mask ventilation using a tight-fitting facemask with oxygen supplementation is recommended rather than mouth-to-nose ventilation.ConclusionsThese updated RECOVER BLS treatment recommendations emphasize continuous chest compressions, conformation-specific chest compression techniques, and ventilation for all animals. Very low quality of evidence due to absence of clinical data in dogs and cats consistently compromised the certainty of recommendations, emphasizing the need for more veterinary research in this area.

ObjectiveTo systematically review the evidence and devise clinical recommendations on advanced life support (ALS) in dogs and cats and to identify critical knowledge gaps.DesignStandardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to ALS following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by ALS Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co-Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk:benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4 weeks prior to finalization.SettingTransdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice.ResultsSeventeen questions pertaining to vascular access, vasopressors in shockable and nonshockable rhythms, anticholinergics, defibrillation, antiarrhythmics, and adjunct drug therapy as well as open-chest CPR were reviewed. Of the 33 treatment recommendations formulated, 6 recommendations addressed the management of patients with nonshockable arrest rhythms, 10 addressed shockable rhythms, and 6 provided guidance on open-chest CPR. We recommend against high-dose epinephrine even after prolonged CPR and suggest that atropine, when indicated, is used only once. In animals with a shockable rhythm in which initial defibrillation was unsuccessful, we recommend doubling the defibrillator dose once and suggest vasopressin (or epinephrine if vasopressin is not available), esmolol, lidocaine in dogs, and/or amiodarone in cats.ConclusionsThese updated RECOVER ALS guidelines clarify the approach to refractory shockable rhythms and prolonged CPR. Very low quality of evidence due to absence of clinical data in dogs and cats continues to compromise the certainty with which recommendations can be made.

BackgroundGlanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is a congenital platelet disorder affecting approximately 1:1 000 000 people globally and characterized by impaired platelet aggregation and clot retraction. Autosomal recessive, loss-of-function, variants in ITGA2B or ITGB3 of the αIIbβ3 receptor cause the disease in humans. A cat affected by Glanzmann's and macrothrombocytopenia was presented to the UC Davis VMTH.Hypothesis/objectivesSevere thrombopathia in this cat has an underlying genetic etiology.AnimalsA single affected patient, 2 age-matched clinically healthy controls, and a geriatric population (n = 20) of normal cats.MethodsPhysical examination and clinical pathology tests were performed on the patient. Flow cytometry and platelet aggregometry analyses for patient phenotyping were performed. Patient and validation cohort gDNA samples were extracted for Sanger sequencing of a previously identified ITGA2B (c.1986delC) variant. Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed on patient and healthy control PRP samples to verify ITGA2B variant consequence.ResultsA novel c.1986_1987insCC autosomal recessive variant in ITGA2B was identified. This variant was absent in a population of 194 unrelated cats spanning 44 different breeds. Complete loss of ITGA2B transcript and protein expression was verified by RT-PCR and flow cytometry, explaining the underlying etiology of GT, and likely macrothrombocytopenia, in this cat.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis study emphasizes the role of precision medicine in cardiovascular disease of cats and identified yet another variant that may be of utility for screening in the feline population. This study provides a small-volume, standardized, successful protocol for adequate platelet RNA isolation and subsequent molecular assessment of gene expression in cats.

The fishing cat, Prionailurus viverrinus, faces a population decline, increasing the importance of maintaining healthy zoo populations. Unfortunately, zoo-managed individuals currently face a high prevalence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a form of bladder cancer. To investigate the genetics of inherited diseases among captive fishing cats, we present a chromosome-scale assembly, generate the pedigree of the zoo-managed population, reaffirm the close genetic relationship with the Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), and identify 7.4 million single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 23,432 structural variants (SVs) from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of healthy and TCC cats. Only BRCA2 was found to have a high recurrent number of missense mutations in fishing cats diagnosed with TCC when compared to inherited human cancer risk variants. These new fishing cat genomic resources will aid conservation efforts to improve their genetic fitness and enhance the comparative study of feline genomes.

Chronic enteropathies (CE) are common disorders in cats and the differentiation between the two main underlying diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITL), can be challenging. Characterization of the serum metabolome could provide further information on alterations of disease-associated metabolic pathways and may identify diagnostic or therapeutic targets. Unbiased metabolomics analysis of serum from 28 cats with CE (14 cats with IBD, 14 cats with LGITL) and 14 healthy controls identified 1,007 named metabolites, of which 129 were significantly different in cats with CE compared to healthy controls at baseline. Random Forest analysis revealed a predictive accuracy of 90% for differentiating controls from cats with chronic enteropathy. Metabolic pathways found to be significantly altered included phospholipids, amino acids, thiamine, and tryptophan metabolism. Several metabolites were found to be significantly different between cats with IBD versus LGITL, including several sphingolipids, phosphatidylcholine 40:7, uridine, pinitol, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and glucuronic acid. However, random forest analysis revealed a poor group predictive accuracy of 60% for the differentiation of IBD from LGITL. Of 129 compounds found to be significantly different between healthy cats and cats with CE at baseline, 58 remained different following treatment.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine whether cats that exhibit aggression during veterinary visits are more likely to have behavior problems at home.MethodsAn online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed to residents in the USA who were aged over 18 years and who were the primary owners of at least one cat. The survey collected information about cat and household factors, and utilized a validated questionnaire instrument for obtaining behavioral information of pet cats.ResultsAggression at the veterinary clinic was reported in 42.6% of the cats. The frequency of aggression exhibited at the veterinary clinic was lower in cats that lived in multi-cat households. Most cats did not receive medications intended to reduce fear, anxiety and/or pain before veterinary visits. Aggression at the veterinary clinic was positively associated with behavior problems at home, including stranger-directed aggression, owner-directed aggression, resistance to restraint, familiar cat aggression, dog-directed aggression, house-soiling, separation-related behaviors and scratching claws on inappropriate surfaces indoors.Conclusions and relevanceCats that exhibit aggression at the veterinary clinic are more likely to exhibit aggression and anxiety-related behaviors at home. Veterinarians should screen cats that exhibit aggression at the veterinary clinic for behavior problems at home to institute prompt diagnosis and treatment.

We are grateful to the authors for providing additional data to demonstrate the presence of domestic cat hepadnavirus in lymphoma tissues [...].

This study aimed to investigate how the presence of co-morbid conditions influenced antimicrobial usage as presumptive prophylaxis for suspected bacteremia in dogs and cats undergoing dental treatments at primary care veterinary clinics in the United States. In 2020, data was collected from 1076 veterinary clinics across 44 US states. A total of 681,541 general anesthesia dental procedures were conducted on 592,472 dogs and 89,069 cats. This revealed that systemic antimicrobials were administered in 8.8% of dog procedures and 7.8% of cat procedures in the absence of concurrent periodontal disease or extractions. Cefpodoxime, clindamycin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate were the most frequently used antimicrobials in dogs, while cefovecin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and clindamycin topped the list for cats. Dogs with cardiovascular, hepato-renal, and endocrine co-morbidities, as well as those undergoing concurrent removal of cutaneous or subcutaneous neoplasia, displayed higher antimicrobial use. Similarly, cats with endocrine or hepato-renal disease, retroviral infection (i.e., feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)), and concurrent removal of cutaneous or subcutaneous neoplasia exhibited increased antimicrobial use. Dogs with hepato-renal abnormalities had longer treatment durations compared to those without (10.1 vs. 9.6 days). Conversely, cats with concurrent removal of cutaneous or subcutaneous neoplasia had shorter durations of treatment as compared to those that did not have this procedure performed (8.4 vs 9.2 days). The findings of this study underscore the necessity for further research and collaboration within the veterinary community to develop evidence-based guidelines, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, and advancing the field of veterinary dentistry for enhanced patient outcomes.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) presents as a chronic pain condition with variable combinations of symptoms depending on the species and individual patient. It is diagnosed by the presence of lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in combination with a variety of comorbid health problems, a history of life adversities, and the absence of other conditions that could cause the lower urinary tract signs. IC occurs naturally in humans and cats as a dimensional condition, with patients presenting with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Most patients appear to recover without specific treatment. A number of rodent models of IC have been used to study its causes and treatments. Unfortunately, current therapies generally fail to ameliorate IC symptoms long-term. The recent classification of IC as a chronic primary pain disorder calls for a rethinking of current clinical and research approaches to it. Beginning when a patient encounters a clinician, precipitating, perpetuating, and palliating risk factors can be addressed until a cause or reliably effective therapy is identified, and identifying predisposing and preventive factors can inform epidemiological studies and health promotion interventions. Predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating risk factors, including environmental, psychological, and biological, increase the activity of the central threat response system (CTRS), which plays a clinically important role in IC symptoms. Studies in cats and rodent models have revealed that environmental enrichment (EE), in the absence of bladder-directed therapies, leads to amelioration of IC symptoms, implying a central role for the CTRS in symptom precipitation and perpetuation. Conceptually moving the source of IC pain to the brain as a motivational state rather than one resulting from peripheral nociceptive input offers both clinicians and researchers novel opportunities to improve care for patients with IC and for researchers to use more ecologically valid rodent models. It may even be that IC results from an excess of risk to protective factors, making this imbalance a targetable cause rather than a consequence of IC.

This paper examines the legacies of the emergence of the animal control and sheltering industry in the United States and their impact on contemporary public animal shelters. While decades of gradual reform have helped substantially reduce the number of animals entering shelters and being killed there, contemporary animal sheltering largely continues to follow the path set when animal sheltering developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Three key interrelated legacies of the pound model of early animal control and sheltering enduringly shape sheltering today: (1) the institutional culture of animal shelters grounded in the logics of caging and killing; (2) the lack of visibility and transparency, especially within government shelters; and (3) the economic logics of the pound model, including the disparities in sheltering resources across communities. Examining the origins of animal control and sheltering and identifying the specific legacies of this pound model within contemporary government-funded shelters improves understanding of why such shelters in the US have developed with a particular set of practices and ideologies, and thus provides an important footing for envisioning and enacting radical changes in animal sheltering.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains the most common cardiomyopathy in humans and cats with few preclinical pharmacologic interventional studies. Small-molecule sarcomere inhibitors are promising novel therapeutics for the management of obstructive HCM (oHCM) patients and have shown efficacy in left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) relief. The objective of this study was to explore the 6-, 24-, and 48-hour (h) pharmacodynamic effects of the cardiac myosin inhibitor, CK-586, in six purpose-bred cats with naturally occurring oHCM. A blinded, randomized, five-treatment group, crossover preclinical trial was conducted to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of CK-586 in this oHCM model. Dose assessments and select echocardiographic variables were assessed five times over a 48-h period. Treatment with oral CK-586 safely ameliorated LVOTO in oHCM cats. CK-586 treatment dose-dependently eliminated obstruction (reduced LVOTOmaxPG), increased measures of systolic chamber size (LVIDs Sx), and decreased select measures of heart function (LV FS% and LV EF%) in the absence of impact on heart rate. At all tested doses, a single oral CK-586 dose resulted in improved or resolved LVOTO with well-tolerated, dose-dependent, reductions in LV systolic function. The results from this study pave the way for the potential use of CK-586 in both the veterinary and human clinical setting.

IntroductionDigital tomosynthesis (DT) has emerged as a potential imaging modality for evaluating anatomic structures in veterinary medicine. This study aims to validate the diagnostic yield of DT in identifying predefined anatomic structures in feline cadaver heads, comparing it with conventional intraoral dental radiography (DR).MethodsA total of 16 feline cadaver heads were utilized to evaluate 19 predefined clinically relevant anatomic structures using both DR and DT. A semi-quantitative scoring system was employed to characterize the ability of each imaging method to identify these structures.ResultsDT demonstrated a significantly higher diagnostic yield compared to DR for all evaluated anatomic structures. Orthogonal DT imaging identified 13 additional anatomic landmarks compared to a standard 10-view feline set obtained via DR. Moreover, DT achieved statistically significant higher scores for each of these landmarks, indicating improved visualization over DR.DiscussionThese findings validate the utility of DT technology in reliably identifying clinically relevant anatomic structures in the cat skull. This validation serves as a foundation for further exploration of DT imaging in detecting dentoalveolar and other maxillofacial bony lesions and pathologies in cats.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to document the normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in cats and possible associations with bodyweight, age, sex, sexual status, breed and skull morphology. Secondarily, the radiographic appearance of the mandibular symphysis and possible associations with the analyzed data were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and sixteen cats of 15 different breeds that underwent maxillofacial, oral and dental procedures from April 2015 to December 2021 were included. Clinical mobility was evaluated under general anesthesia using a 0 to 3 scale in lateromedial (LM) and dorsoventral (DV) directions. The symphysis was radiographically classified on the occlusal radiographic view of the rostral mandibles as fused or open, and with parallel or divergent margins. RESULTS: Bodyweight ranged from 2.2 to 12.5 kg (median 4.0 kg), age from 4 months to 17 years and 4 months (median 6 years and 4 months). At the first evaluation DV symphyseal mobility was 0 in 177 cases (82%), 1 in 32 cases (14.8%) and 2 in 7 cases (3.2%), LM mobility was 0 in 61 cases (28.3%), 1 in 110 cases (50.9%) and 2 in 45 cases (20.8%). 81.1% of the radiographs were included in the statistical analysis. Three symphyses (1.6%) were classified as fused and 190 (98.4%) as open, 129 (68.8%) having divergent margins and 61 (31.6%) parallel. One hundred and forty-eight cases (76.7%) did not show the presence of odontoclastic replacement resorption on the canine teeth (TR subgroup 1), 23 (11.9%) showed stage ≤3 lesions (TR subgroup 2) and 22 (11.4%) stage 4 lesions (TR subgroup 3). Logistic regression models exploring factors that affected DV and LM mobility were statistically significant (p

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a multisystemic, generally lethal immuno-inflammatory disease of domestic cats caused by an infection with a genetic variant of feline coronavirus, referred to as the FIP virus (FIPV). We leveraged data from four different antiviral clinical trials performed at the University of California, Davis. Collectively, a total of 60 client-owned domestic cats, each with a confirmed diagnosis of naturally occurring FIP, were treated with a variety of antiviral compounds. The tested therapies included the antiviral compounds GS-441524, remdesivir, molnupiravir and allogeneic feline mesenchymal stem/stroma cell transfusions. Four client-owned cats with FIP did not meet the inclusion criteria for the trials and were not treated with antiviral therapies; these cats were included in the data set as untreated FIP control cats. ELISA and Western blot assays were performed using feline serum/plasma or ascites effusions obtained from a subset of the FIP cats. Normalized tissue/effusion viral loads were determined in 34 cats by a quantitative RT-PCR of nucleic acids isolated from either effusions or abdominal lymph node tissue. Twenty-one cats were PCR "serotyped" (genotyped) and had the S1/S2 region of the coronaviral spike gene amplified, cloned and sequenced from effusions or abdominal lymph node tissue. In total, 3 untreated control cats and 14 (23.3%) of the 60 antiviral-treated cats died or were euthanized during (13) or after the completion of (1) antiviral treatment. Of these 17 cats, 13 had complete necropsies performed (10 cats treated with antivirals and 3 untreated control cats). We found that anticoronaviral serologic responses were persistent and robust throughout the treatment period, primarily the IgG isotype, and focused on the viral structural Nucleocapsid and Membrane proteins. Coronavirus serologic patterns were similar for the effusions and serum/plasma of cats with FIP and in cats entering remission or that died. Viral RNA was readily detectable in the majority of the cats in either abdominal lymph node tissue or ascites effusions, and all of the viral isolates were determined to be serotype I FIPV. Viral nucleic acids in cats treated with antiviral compounds became undetectable in ascites or abdominal lymph node tissue by 11 days post-treatment using a sensitive quantitative RT-PCR assay. The most common pathologic lesions identified in the necropsied cats were hepatitis, abdominal effusion (ascites), serositis, pancreatitis, lymphadenitis, icterus and perivasculitis. In cats treated with antiviral compounds, gross and histological lesions characteristic of FIP persisted for several weeks, while the viral antigen became progressively less detectable.

BACKGROUND: Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a large, heterogeneous group of degenerative muscle diseases. X-linked dystrophin-deficient MD in cats is the first genetically characterized cat model for a human disease and a few novel forms have been identified. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Muscular dystrophy was suspected in a young male domestic shorthair cat. Clinical, molecular, and genetic techniques could provide a definitive diagnosis. ANIMALS: A 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat presented for progressive difficulty walking, macroglossia and dysphagia beginning at 6 months of age. The tongue was thickened, protruded with constant ptyalism, and thickening and rigidity of the neck and shoulders were observed. METHODS: A complete neurological examination, baseline laboratory evaluation and biopsies of the trapezius muscle were performed with owner consent. Indirect immunofluorescence staining of muscle cryosections was performed using several monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against dystrophy-associated proteins. DNA was isolated for genomic analyses by whole genome sequencing and comparison to DNA variants in the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing dataset. RESULTS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Aspartate aminotransferase (687 IU/L) and creatine kinase (24 830 IU/L) activities were increased and mild hypokalemia (3.7 mmol/L) was present. Biopsy samples from the trapezius muscle confirmed a degenerative and regenerative myopathy and protein alterations identified by immunohistochemistry resulted in a diagnosis of a in dystrophin-deficient form of X-linked MD. A stop gain variant (c.4849C>T; p.Gln1617Ter) dystrophin was identified by genome sequencing. Precision/genomic medicine efforts for the domestic cat and in veterinary medicine support disease variant and animal model discovery and provide opportunities for targeted treatments for companion animals.

Limited studies are available on vitamin B6 status in domestic cats. To this end, we evaluated glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activity in hemolysates with and without pyridoxal 5'-phosphate addition in two feline populations: a cohort of 60 healthy, domestic (sexually intact and specific pathogen-free) cats maintained under strictly controlled conditions with appropriate diets housed at the Feline Nutrition and Pet Care Center, and a cohort of 57 cats randomly selected between December 2022 to January 2023 that visited the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital to seek care under different circumstances. The GOT activity expressed as the ratio with and without pyridoxal 5'-phosphate addition (primary activation ratio; PAR) decreased significantly with age in the healthy cohort. The PAR values normalized to age established a cut-off for vitamin B6 deficiency in both cohorts, identifying 17 of 101 animals as vitamin B6 deficient. Using machine learning, a partition-based model (decision tree) was built to identify the most important factors that predicted vitamin B6 deficiency while using the resulting tree to make predictions for new observations. This analysis, performed with all 101 cats, revealed that the diagnosis of an infectious, chronic or acute condition (0.55) was the main contributor, followed by age (0.26), and body condition score (optimal-overweight; 0.19). Thus, our study supports that vitamin B6 supplementation may be indicated in junior to adult animals diagnosed with an infectious, chronic, or acute conditions or healthy cats with body weight ranging from optimal to overweight. In older cats, even if healthy, underweight to optimal cats appear to be at risk of vitamin B6 deficiency.

To characterize the correlation, agreement and concordance of cardiac output (CO) measured with transthoracic ultrasound and the correlation and concordance of aortic blood flow (ABF) minute distance (MD) measured by transesophageal Doppler with CO measured by pulmonary artery thermodilution (PATD) in cats. Experimental study. A group of six healthy male neutered cats, aged 2–8 years and weighing 5.3 ± 0.3 kg. Cats were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen. CO was measured by PATD (CO PATD) and transthoracic echocardiography (CO ECHO). ABF MD was measured using an esophageal Doppler flow probe aligned with descending ABF. All measurements were made under three conditions: dexmedetomidine (20 μg kg–1) intravenously; atipamezole (200 μg kg–1) intramuscularly and atropine (20 μg kg–1) intravenously as needed to achieve a minimum heart rate of 140 beats minute–1; and dopamine (20 μg kg–1 minute–1) intravenously in that order. Correlation between CO PATD and CO ECHO , and CO PATD and Doppler MD was evaluated using repeated measures correlation. Agreement between CO PATD and CO ECHO was evaluated using Bland–Altman method. Differences between consecutive pairs of CO measurements were calculated for concordance analysis. Correlation between CO PATD and CO ECHO and between CO PATD and MD was significant (p < 0.001), with correlation coefficients greater than 0.92. A bias of > 27% and upper limits of agreement of 66% were found between CO PATD and CO ECHO. Concordance rate with CO PATD was 76–80% for CO ECHO and 72% for MD. Echocardiographic methods for the measurement of CO showed poor agreement and concordance with PATD. MD showed poor concordance with PATD. As such, these methods cannot be used as an alternative to PATD nor can they appropriately track changes in CO in anesthetized cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the portion of tidal volume (V T) ventilating dead space volumes in nonbrachycephalic cats and dogs with small body mass receiving volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) with a fixed V T. Prospective, experimental study. A group of eight healthy adult cats and dogs [ideal body weight (IBW): 3.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 1.1 kg, respectively]. Anesthetized cats and dogs received VCV with a 12 mL kg–1 V T (inspiratory pause ≥ 0.5 seconds). Respiratory rate (f R) was adjusted to maintain normocapnia. Airway dead space (V Daw) and alveolar tidal volume (V Talv) were measured by volumetric capnography. Physiological dead space (V Dphys) and V Dphys /V T ratio were calculated using the Bohr–Enghoff method. Data recorded before surgery were compared by an unpaired t -test or Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05 considered significant). The IBW (p = 0.07), PaCO 2 (p = 0.40) and expired V T [V T(exp) ] (p = 0.77) did not differ significantly between species. The V Daw (mL kg–1) was lower in cats (3.7 ± 0.4) than in dogs (7.7 ± 0.9) (p < 0.0001). The V Talv (mL kg–1) was larger in cats (8.3 ± 0.7) than in dogs (4.3 ± 0.7) (p < 0.0001). Cats presented a smaller V Dphys /V T ratio (0.33 ± 0.03) and V Dphys (4.0 ± 0.3 mL kg–1) than dogs (V Dphys /V T : 0.60 ± 0.09; V Dphys : 7.2 ± 1.4 mL kg–1) (p < 0.0001). The f R and minute ventilation (V T(exp) × f R) were lower in cats than in dogs (p = 0.048 and p = 0.038, respectively). A fixed V T results in more effective ventilation in cats than in dogs with small body mass because of species-specific differences in and V Daw and V Dphys. Because of the smaller V Daw and V Dphys in cats than in dogs, a lower f R is required to maintain normocapnia in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovum Pick Up (OPU) is a minimally invasive technique widely used in cattle and mares for oocyte retrieval, involving ultrasound-guided puncture of ovarian follicles. It has been demonstrated that this technique is safe for its repeated use in the same female without affecting her reproductive health, allowing for the retrieval of oocytes in individuals regardless of their reproductive status. The oocytes obtained through OPU can subsequently be used for in vitro embryo production (IVP) using assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) or be cryopreserved in biobanks for their future use. Traditionally, the minimally invasive technique of choice performed in vivo in domestic and wild felines was LOPU (laparoscopic-guided ovum pick up). The present study was designed to explore if ultrasound-guided OPU in the domestic cat is safe and effective. In an initial series of ex vivo experiments (n = 92 ovaries, n = 434 oocytes), the effect of different aspiration pressures for oocyte collection was explored. These experiments identified 43 mmHg as the optimal aspiration pressure, resulting in the highest recovery rate and a favorable maturation and blastocyst rate. Subsequently, 16 grade I and II oocytes were retrieved by OPU and 101 oocytes were retrieved following ovariectomy and slicing. Sixteen oocytes obtained with each technique were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 14 presumptive zygotes were selected for in vitro culture (IVC) from each group (OPU and slicing), obtaining a cleavage rate of 57.1 % and 64.2 %, a morula rate of 28.5 % in both groups, and a blastocyst rate of 7.14 % and 14.2 % respectively. The hormonal stimulation protocol was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects observed. Moreover, no complications arose during the ovariectomy performed post-OPU. The use of this technique in domestic cats represents a significant step forward in terms of safety, replicability, and invasiveness, serving as a valuable model for its application in wild felids species. Additional research involving a greater number of animals is required to validate these encouraging findings. • This study presents the first successful ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) in the domestic cat. • OPU is a minimally invasive technique that offers advantages in terms of invasiveness and safety compared to LOPU. • In vitro embryo production from OPU and slicing showed comparable cleavage, morula, and blastocyst rates. • This research provides a replicable model for potential application in wild felid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rostral cranial fossa (RCF) consists of the sphenoid and ethmoid bones, which accommodate the olfactory bulbs and nerves along the recesses of the cribriform plate. Neoplasms located in the vicinities of the RCF can compress and/or invade the cribriform plate. Here we describe the clinical and pathologic findings of neoplasms involving the cribriform plate in 32 dogs and 17 cats autopsied over a 13-y period. The average ages of affected dogs and cats were 9.2 y and 9.7 y, respectively. No sex or breed predisposition was evident in dogs, but 13 of 18 cats were spayed females and 14 of 18 were domestic shorthair cats. The main clinical signs were seizures (10 cases) and epistaxis (5 cases) in dogs, and red-to-brown nasal discharge (5 cases) and seizures (4 cases) in cats. In dogs, the 22 sinonasal neoplasms included adenocarcinoma (14 cases), transitional carcinoma (4), squamous cell carcinoma (2), lymphoma (1), and histiocytic sarcoma (1); the 10 intracranial neoplasms consisted of high-grade gliomas (3 cases), psammomatous meningiomas (2), histiocytic sarcomas (2), olfactory neuroblastomas (2), and a meningeal granular cell tumor (1). In cats, the 14 sinonasal neoplasms included lymphoma (8 cases), adenocarcinoma (4), adenosquamous carcinoma (1), and squamous cell carcinoma (1); the 3 intracranial neoplasms consisted of oligodendroglioma (1), transitional meningioma (1), and olfactory neuroblastoma (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case history: A 4-month-old male Shih Tzu dog (Case 1) and an 11-month-old female Devon Rex cat (Case 2) were referred to specialist veterinary hospitals for evaluation of right thoracic lameness and growth abnormality in the distal aspect of the forelimb. Clinical findings: Non-weight-bearing lameness and decreased range of motion were noted in the affected limbs of both cases. Case 1 had a plantigrade stance, and a cleft separation between the first and second digits extending upwards to the distal third of the antebrachium. There was no pain on palpation, and the affected limb was shorter than the contralateral. Radiographic examination revealed cleft separation between metacarpal bones I and II, and carpal bone fusion (I, II, III), and the distal radius ended freely and was attached to the first metacarpal bone. Case 2 had a small cleft medial to metacarpal III. The limb was consistently held in abduction and had marked carpal varus. The limb had never been used for weight bearing. Radiographic examination showed agenesis of metacarpal bone II and separation of metacarpals I and III. The radius and ulna were separated and the radial head did not articulate normally at the elbow, leading to marked elbow incongruity. Diagnosis: Ectrodactyly in both cases. Treatment and outcome: Amputation of the radius followed by ulnocarpal arthrodesis were performed in both cases. Follow-up evaluations up to 1 year (Case 1) and 10 weeks (Case 2) after surgery indicated satisfactory arthrodesis fusion, owner satisfaction, and a good clinical outcome. Clinical relevance: Ectrodactyly is a rare congenital deformity of the forelimb with a heterogeneous character, requiring an individualised treatment plan. These are the first cases reported in the literature of ectrodactyly in small animals that were treated successfully with ulnocarpal arthrodesis. This case series therefore provides evidence in support of this treatment option for this heterogeneous congenital deformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a novel model for the dynamics of toxoplasmosis in human and cat populations with vertical transmission and contribution of oocysts to the environment from the mildly infected cats is constructed. The non-negative properties of the model’s solutions are proved. We demonstrate that a secondary quantity that affects the overall dynamics of T. gondii in human and cat populations is the reproductive ratio R◦. The impact of the contribution of oocysts from the mildly infected cats as well as the impact of vertical transmission and the impact of effective contact between cat and cat and cat and humans on the reproductive ratio are shown. The model’s endemic and disease-free equilibria are derived, and their local and global stabilities are proved. The bifurcation and sensitivity of the model’s parameters to T. gondii dynamics are studied. Finally, simulations are performed with the aid of the computer-in-built Runge-Kutta package implemented in the software Maple to illustrate the behavior of the model graphically. The results indicate that vertical transmission, contact with the infected cats and contribution of T. gondii from the mildly infected cats have a significant impact on the dynamics of toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 to animals has the potential to evolve independently. In this study, we distinguished several sentinel animal species and genera for monitoring the re-emergence of COVID-19 or the new outbreak of COVID-19-like disease. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic data from human and nonhuman mammals in the taxonomic hierarchies of species, genus, family and order of their host. We find that SARS-CoV-2 carried by domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), domestic cat (Felis catus), mink (Neovison vison), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) cluster closely to human-origin viruses and show no differences in the majority of amino acids, but have the most positively selected sites and should be monitored to prevent the re-emergence of COVID-19 caused by novel variants of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses from the genera Panthera (especially lion (Panthera leo)), Manis and Rhinolophus differ significantly from human-origin viruses, and long-term surveillance should be undertaken to prevent the future COVID-19-like outbreaks. Investigation of the variation dynamics of sites 142, 501, 655, 681 and 950 within the S protein may be necessary to predict the novel animal SARS-CoV-2 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac lymphoma is uncommon in cats and is rarely considered as a differential diagnosis for congestive heart failure. A 10-year-old neutered male domestic short-haired cat with clinical histories of feline immunodeficiency virus, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure was humanely euthanized. Post-mortem evaluation demonstrated a massively infiltrative round cell neoplasm of the heart, resulting in CHF. Immunohistochemistry of neoplastic tissue was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This case demonstrates a peculiar presentation of cardiac diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with chronic feline lentiviral infection possibly contributing to disease initiation and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that dogs are capable of following human verbal instructions. However, very little is known about the equivalent ability in cats. In this study, we used a switched stimuli task to examine whether cats rapidly form picture-word association, which is a fundamental ability for word learning. We presented cats with two meaningless picture-word combinations, in the habituation phase. Then, on half of the trials we switched the combination (switched condition), but the other half of the trials remained as before (non-switched condition). If cats rapidly form picture-word association, they were expected to look at the monitor for longer in the switched condition, reflecting detection of the change. We used human speech as stimuli in Exp.1, and mechanical sounds (electronic sounds) in Exp.2. Cats expressed detection of the switched combination in Exp.1, where human speech and objects were paired. However, in Exp.2 where non-social sounds and objects were paired, there was no statistical difference between switched and non-switched conditions, although there was a main effect of condition when the data from the two experiments were pooled. These results demonstrate that cats can rapidly form picture-word association. Further research should investigate whether domestication has played a role in this ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Management of stray cats in urban areas is an ongoing challenge in Australia, and many are euthanized, particularly in disadvantaged regions. The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation aimed to assess the impact of a free cat sterilization program in Ipswich, Queensland. Before that intervention, a situational analysis was conducted to evaluate cat and dog ownership behaviours. In a sample of 343 residents from the area, 35% owned cats, and 3% fed strays. Cats were mainly obtained from family or friends and shelters, while 53% of respondents owned dogs, mostly sourced from breeders and family acquaintances. A higher percentage of owned cats (91%; but only 74% for those aged 4 to <12 months) were sterilized compared to owned dogs (78%). Among cat owners, 51% contained their cats all the time and 18% at night. Our findings suggest that community-based sterilization programs targeting both owned and semi-owned cats, and assisting semi-owners in becoming owners, would assist in reducing unplanned litters and the stray cat population. It is also recommended that assistance with cat containment be provided where vulnerable native species are present in urban and peri-urban areas. These insights are crucial for developing effective policies aligned with One Welfare principles. Managing stray cats in urban areas is an ongoing challenge, and in Australia, many are euthanized. Most stray cats are from disadvantaged areas and are under 1 year of age. The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation intended to assess the impact of a free cat sterilization program in an area with high shelter intake of cats in the city of Ipswich, Queensland. The aims of this pre-intervention study were to undertake a situational analysis of cat ownership, semi-ownership and cat caring behaviours, and compare those in the same demographic with dog ownership and caring behaviours relating to sterilization rates, to provide a basis against which to assess the program's effectiveness. In a sample of 343 participants from that area, 35% owned cats and 3% fed stray cats. Cats were predominantly obtained from family or friends (31%) and shelters (20%). More respondents owned dogs (53%), which were most often sourced from breeders (36%) and family acquaintances (24%). More owned cats than owned dogs were sterilized (91% versus 78%). However, only 74% of cats aged 4 to <12 months were sterilized. Cat containment practices varied, with 51% of owners containing their cat(s) at all times, and a further 18% doing so at night. These results suggest the need for community-based programs that focus on sterilizing owned and semi-owned cats, and assisting semi-owners in becoming full owners to reduce stray cat populations and associated negative impacts. This includes assistance with cat containment where vulnerable native species are present. Public understanding of the causes and effective solutions for free-roaming cats, alongside legislative changes, are required to facilitate these efforts. Assistive programs aligned with One Welfare principles are expected to benefit the wellbeing of animals, humans and their environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study shows that nutrients that are not digested have a significant effect on stool moisture and quality. As protein in the lower gut increased, stool moisture increased and quality decreased in both species. Also, increasing fiber in the lower gut resulted in increased stool quality and reduced moisture in both species. Both species also had a response to advancing age: in the dog, age increased firmness for the first 11 years of life, while in the cat, age increased firmness after 4 years of age. The effect of digestive bypass macronutrients and age on stool quality (moisture and firmness) in dogs and cats is not well understood. Data were analyzed from digestibility tests (n = 2020, 361 dogs and 536 cats) including dry and wet product types. Both food and feces were measured for moisture and nutrients according to standard protocols; stool firmness was graded. Linear mixed modeling was used to evaluate the associations between nutrient bypass, age and stool quality. Bypass protein increased stool moisture (dog, cat p < 0.0001) and decreased firmness (dog p = 0.01, cat p < 0.0001), while bypass fiber decreased stool moisture and increased firmness (dog, cat p < 0.0001 for both). Both species manifested a negative quadratic effect of advanced age on stool firmness (dog p < 0.0001 and cat p = 0.02). However, the association of advanced age (quadratic effect) with metabolizable energy required to maintain body weight was different between species; dogs had a positive association (p = 0.028), while it was negative for cats (p < 0.0001). Taken together, these data may aid in the development of food formulations for companion animals, which can better meet changing nutritional needs across life stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to carry out a molecular screening for the presence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and/or Entamoeba in the feces of pet and stray/feral cats in Jordan. G. duodenalis was found in 27.9% (95% CI, 23.2–32.9) of the 348 sampled cats overall; E. histolytica was found in only 0.6% (95% CI, 0.1–2.1) of the cats, while none of the sampled cats had Cryptosporidium infections. The infection rate of G. duodenalis among indoor cats (32.3%) did not differ significantly from that among outdoor cats (24.1%). There were significantly more infections (p = 0.0004) geographically in the cold semiarid areas (67%) than in the cold desert areas (24%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis of amplicons based on the bg, tpi, and gdh genes revealed that the majority of G. duodenalis infections were zoonotic assemblage B (65.9%; 64 of 97 positive samples); followed by feline-specific assemblage F (18.5%, 18/97); cattle-specific assemblage E (5.2%, 5/97); and then assemblage C that was shared with canids (1.0%; 1/97). Within Giardia isolates, a substitution mutation (A/G) was found at position 297 of the complete protein coding sequence (cds) of tpi-assemblage B, which may represent a new spreading mutation within this gene among the cat population in Jordan. The results of the present study suggest that close human-cat interactions could play a role in zoonotic transmission of Giardia, but further research is needed to determine the possible contribution of cats to the transmission of other protozoa to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the optimization of assisted reproductive techniques for wild felid conservation, focusing on in vitro procedures using the domestic cat as a model species. The research evaluated the impact of three different in vitro culture media on blastocyst formation. Oocytes and spermatozoa were collected and processed, followed by in vitro fertilization and culture. Results returned a similar blastocyst rate (ANOVA, p >.05), over 16% across all groups. While demonstrating the potential of these techniques, further investigations are warranted to evaluate embryo quality to refine optimal protocols and their applicability in felid conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, psychologists have explored dynamics within the realm of human‐animal interaction. Organizational psychologists are no different; research has found that exchanges with pets and other animals have the potential to influence important work outcomes, such as performance, well‐being, and satisfaction. Relatively little is understood, however, regarding the potential spillover effects of human‐animal interaction from the non‐work to work context. To address this gap in the literature, the present research—synthesising Broaden and Build Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory—explores the daily spillover effects of morning quality time with pets on affective, behavioural, and cognitive outcomes for employees, both during and after the workday. It is also suggested that openness to experience may act as a cross‐level moderator for these daily relationships. An occupationally heterogenous daily diary sample of employed pet owners from the United Kingdom (NLevel 1 = 405, NLevel 2 = 81) was used to test these relationships. Using a mixed effects modelling approach, it was revealed that morning quality time with pets was associated with reduced Negative Affect (NA) during the workday, and reduced incivility and withdrawal upon returning home from work. Moreover, higher levels of trait openness to experience strengthened the negative relationships between daily morning quality time with pets and daily workday NA and afterwork incivility. Implications for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Many invasive animals are typically active across large areas, making monitoring and control programs expensive. To be efficacious, monitoring devices and control tools need to be strategically located to maximise the probability of encounter. This requires an understanding of how the target species uses the landscape, through identifying key habitat or landscape features that are preferred and used disproportionately more frequently by the species. Spatial analysis of animal movements can help identify high use areas. Aims. The variability introduced by different range calculation methods can lead to uncertainty in subsequent habitat analyses. We aimed to determine which method is superior for accurate delineation of core areas for feral cats. Methods. We analysed spatial data from 35 collared feral cats across four Australian study sites between 2016 and 2019, and compared the core areas generated using seven commonly used home range estimation methods. Key results. We found that the a-hull method provided a higher precision of polygon placement, resulting in lower Type I and II errors and higher conformity to landscape features than other methods. The a-hull used a single default parameter and required no subjective input, making it a more objective, superior method. Conclusions. We recommend that the a-hull method be used to define core activity areas for feral cats, enabling more robust habitat analysis, and identification of key habitat and landscape features to strategically target for monitoring and control programs. Implications. This strategic approach could significantly improve cost efficiencies, particularly where existing management is widely dispersed, and core activity areas are clumped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRS) cause infections at various sites and exhibit multidrug resistance. Despite their importance in veterinary medicine, only little is known about Staphylococcus spp. colonizing and infecting cats. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to isolate and identify Staphylococcus spp. colonizing hospitalized and non-hospitalized domestic cats and analyze their antimicrobial resistance profiles, genetic diversity, and risk factors associated with MRS colonization. A total of 218 oral and axillary swabs were obtained from 109 cats, including 77 non-hospitalized and 32 hospitalized cats. After plating on selective media, the isolates were identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and rpoB and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Subsequently, antimicrobial sensitivity of the strains was assessed, and they were screened for mecA gene. Methicillin-resistant S. haemolyticus (MRSH) isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing, whereas methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and S. felis isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing. S. felis was most commonly isolated from non-hospitalized cats (28.1%), whereas S. pseudintermedius and MRS were commonly isolated from hospitalized cats (25%). MRSH isolates from hospitalized animals were classified as ST3. The identified MRSP strains belonged to two well-known sequence types, ST551 and ST71. Moreover, antimicrobial use (p = 0.0001), hospitalization (p = 0.0141), and comorbidities (p = 0.002) were associated with increased MRS prevalence in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the more common diseases affecting zoo-managed cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) is chronic renal disease, which can impact their welfare and ultimately shortens their lifespan. Early diagnosis, for which estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is one such tool, is imperative to help mitigate the negative impacts of this insidious disease. GFR was determined by measuring the serum clearance of iohexol in nine clinically normal, cheetahs managed under human care that presented for voluntary blood collection. A 2-sample iohexol clearance method was performed, along with serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) determination. SDMA has shown promise in humans, dogs, and cats, as an early biomarker of renal disease. Additionally, the relationship between GFR and SDMA, along with serum creatinine and BUN were analyzed. The mean values for the uncorrected GFR and corrected GFR were 2.08 ± 0.215 mL/min/kg body weight and 1.87 ± 0.173 mL/min/kg body weight, respectively. No significant correlations were observed between GFR, SDMA, serum creatinine, or BUN. Both the uncorrected and corrected iohexol-based GFR values were similar to an inulin-based GFR reference interval determined in zoo managed cheetahs and a reported domestic cat iohexol-based GFR reference interval. Serum SDMA values support previous research suggesting cheetahs have a separate reference interval from domestic cats (0–14 μg/dL). Measuring GFR by the serum clearance of iohexol shows promise as a readily available, cheap, and easily administered clearance marker that can be used in cheetahs trained for voluntary blood collection, thereby avoiding the need for anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enteric protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are common cause of diarrhea in pet dogs and cats, affecting primarily young animals. This comparative study evaluates the diagnostic performance of conventional and molecular methods for the detection of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. infection in dogs and cats. The compared diagnostic assays included merthiolate-iodine-formalin (MIF) method, lateral flow immunochromatography rapid test (ICT) and real-time PCR; using direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) as golden standard. The study included the analysis of 328 fecal samples from different dog (n = 225) and cat (n = 103) populations. According to DFA, the overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 24.4% (80/328, 95% CI: 19.8–29.4), varying from 11.6% (12/103, 95% CI: 6.2–19.5) in cats to 30.2% (68/225, 95% CI: 24.3–36.7) in dogs. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 4.0% (13/328, 95% CI: 2.1–6.7), varying from 2.9% (3/103, 95% CI: 0.6–8.3) in cats to 4.4% (10/225, 95% CI: 2.1–8.0) in dogs. MIF was only used for the detection of G. duodenalis, which was identified by this method in 22.7% of dogs and 7.8% of cats, respectively. DFA was the most sensitive technique for detecting G. duodenalis in samples from dogs and cats (p-value: < 0.001), followed by real-time PCR. Identification of Cryptosporidium infections was most effectively accomplished by the combination of DFA and PCR technique (p-value: < 0.001). In addition, epidemiological (sex, age, origin) and clinical (fecal consistency) variables were collected to assess their potential associations with an increased likelihood of infection by G. duodenalis and/or Cryptosporidium spp. Breeder dogs were more likely to harbor G. duodenalis infection (p-value: 0.004), whereas female cats were significantly more infected with Cryptosporidium (p-value: 0.003). In conclusion, DFA (alone or in combination with PCR) has been identified as the most accurate and cost-effective method for detecting G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples from pet dogs and cats. This highlights their importance in both veterinary and clinical settings for enabling prompt treatment and preventing potential transmission to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of primary, intraocular tumors in cats originate from the uvea and include feline diffuse iris melanoma, lymphoma, and iridociliary epithelial adenoma or adenocarcinoma. In this case report, we describe for the first time the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical findings of a rare myxoid intraocular neoplasm arising from the ciliary body in a cat. Case presentation: A 14-year-old, female, spayed domestic shorthaired cat was presented for evaluation of discolouration of the right eye. Upon examination, a clear to light whitish-tan, bubble-shaped intraocular mass adherent to the inferior ciliary body and extending into the anterior chamber was noted. Within five weeks, the tumor was significantly larger and the eye had developed secondary glaucoma so was enucleated. Light microscopic examination of the globe revealed a multinodular, hypocellular neoplasm arising from the ciliary body composed of interwoven spindle cells embedded in abundant amounts of a lightly basophilic myxoid matrix. Neoplastic cells exhibited strong immunoreactivity for cytokeratin while also showing moderate to strong immunoreactivity to vimentin. A diagnosis was therefore made of an unusual intraocular myxoid epithelioid sarcoma arising from the ciliary body. Conclusions: Although apparently exceedingly rare, epithelioid myxosarcoma should be included as a differential diagnosis for intraocular tumors in cats and they represent a clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical diagnostic challenge. Early surgical intervention should be considered to prevent local invasion and ascension to the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the world, more and more cats are being kept in captive spaces such as homes, animal shelters, and cat cafés. There is a growing need to understand whether cross-cultural differences influence human–animal interactions in these human-controlled environments. Cats are one of the world's most popular companion animals, and both the US and Japan have high rates of cat ownership. However, cultural differences may account for differences in how people feel about cats and how humans and cats behave toward one another. The research aim was to examine whether differences exist between the US and Japan across multiple facets of the human–cat relationship. Study 1 examined each country's attitude toward pet cats. Results indicate US citizens have significantly more positive attitudes toward pet cats than Japanese citizens. Study 2 examined owner attachment to their cat and pet cat social behavior. Results indicate owners in both countries were highly attached to their cats. In the US, but not Japan, owner attachment level predicted pet cat sociability toward the owner. Study 3 examined cat social behavior in cat cafés. The results of studies 2 and 3 indicate that pet cats and café cats in the US spend a greater proportion of time in proximity to people compared with pet and café cats in Japan. In all, differences and similarities were seen between the US and Japan. In humans, differences in childhood cat experiences and lower rates of cat ownership may impact attitudes toward cats. In pet cats, owner characteristics, the size of the cat's environment, cat care practices, and attitudes toward cats may impact cat social behavior. Future exploration in this area can benefit our understanding of cross-cultural human–animal interactions and how to apply these findings to improve captive-cat welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has reported on positive aspects of pet guardianship to reduce physical and mental health issues in older adults (over the age of 65 years). There is, however, a need to be cognizant of the risks that pertain to companion animal guardianship. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically identify literature regarding the risks that companion animal guardianship may pose to older adults to facilitate greater understanding and inclusion of pets in the lives of older adults. Using online databases (Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar), systematic searches were conducted. From 11,868 articles, 26 were included in the final data synthesis. The type of risk reported was categorized into three groups (zoonotic, physical, and psychological), with the worst outcomes reported being fatal, potentially fatal, and severe, respectively. Very little literature for pet species other than dogs and cats were identified. Whilst further research is required to fully quantify the risks that arise from the cohabitation of pets and older adults, there is enough evidence for older adults to be safely engaging with pets and hence continue to benefit from the human–animal bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research uses an online questionnaire (n = 1148) to survey the Bulgarian public's attitudes and behaviors toward owned and stray cats and explore potential barriers to stray cat population management. Generally, the survey participants indicated positive attitudes toward stray cats, with 82.0% of the respondents reporting feeling sorry for stray cats. Semi-ownership behaviors were prevalent, with 82.5% feeding stray cats but only 18.1% neutering the cats they fed, posing a barrier to stray cat management. Overall, the respondents held mixed attitudes toward neutering. Of all cat owners sampled (n = 859) only 47.2% had neutered all their cats and 44.4% of owners allowed cats outdoor access or their cats lived exclusively outdoors. Multinomial logistic regression predicted that intact cats were more likely to be allowed to roam free and reproduce, which may present a significant barrier to stray cat population management. This is the first academic survey on attitudes toward cats in Bulgaria and the findings should contribute to stray cat management and ultimately improve feline welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is an invariably fatal infectious-contagious viral disease caused by viruses in the genus Lyssavirus, which affects the central nervous system of domestic and wild mammals. This study draw attention to the importance of insectivorous bats and domestic cats in the epidemiology of rabies. For this, two cases of rabies registered in domestic cats in the southeast region of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed. Diagnoses were based on histological alterations and positive staining for the virus in direct immunofluorescence with confirmation by biological test, immunohistochemical evaluation and identification of the rabies virus variant by polymerase chain reaction. In Brazil, a change in the epidemiological profile of rabies has been observed, in which bats play a major role in the current chain of transmission of the disease. It is noteworthy, that the antigenic viral variant AgV-4, typical of the insectivorous bat Tadarida brasiliensis, was identified in the domestic cats affected in this study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report the clinical experience and long‐term outcome following metabone fracture stabilisation using a commercially available micro‐plating system (VetKISS, 1.0‐mm, IMEX Veterinary, USA). Materials and Methods: Consecutive, client‐owned cats and dogs weighing <7 kg, with traumatic metabone fractures stabilised using VetKISS micro‐plates were prospectively enrolled with informed owner consent. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded. Either short‐term or long‐term clinical and radiographic follow‐up was required for study inclusion. Results: Four cats and six dogs were enrolled and operated by one of two board‐certified surgeons. Bodyweight ranged from 1.9 to 6.6 kg. Number of metabones fractured: all four (60%), three (30%) and two (10%). Anatomical alignment was restored for each metabone. External coaptation was not used in any case. Radiographic follow‐up documented clinical or bony union in all cases. Mean time to clinical union was 51 days. One major complication (screw removal) and two minor complications (partial construct failure) were observed. All patients made a complete functional recovery at the time of documented union. Long‐term follow‐up was available in five cases. No lameness (evaluated independently by both surgeons) or plate sensitivity was noted. Clinical Significance: This is the first clinical evaluation of the VetKISS for metabone fracture repair, and includes long‐term follow‐up. Results demonstrated complete functional recovery and 100% clinical union rates in all patients, with acceptable complication rates. This system can be considered for metabone repair in patients weighing <7 kg without the use of external coaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal blood purification (ECBP) has become a popular treatment option for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) toxicity in small animals. However, challenges arise when using ECBP for small dogs and cats because the priming volume required by most machine-based ECBP platforms might be excessive, leading to cardiovascular instability if a blood prime is not used. This report describes the successful use of manual carbon hemoperfusion (MCHP) to reduce plasma meloxicam levels in a cat following an inadvertent overdose and its use in a dog following suspected ibuprofen ingestion. In both animals, MCHP reduced the circuit volume needed for ECBP from 125 mL with a machine-based therapeutic plasma exchange or 104 mL with an in-series carbon hemoperfusion on an intermittent hemodialysis platform to just 40--50 mL. In the cat, MCHP reduced plasma meloxicam levels by 44%, and in both animals, the use of MCHP in these pets was well-tolerated and safe. Due to pre-existing anemia, the cat required a blood transfusion but the dog did not. MCHP is technically simple and can be performed at any hospital with access to carbon filters and blood bank resources. This technique may represent a reasonable alternative to treat NSAID toxicities in animals that are too small for conventional extracorporeal decontamination methods using either machine-based platforms without using a blood prime or in locations where these machines are unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne disease caused by Dabie bandavirus (SFTSV) is an emerging infectious disease of substantial concern in East Asia. In 2019, Ongkittikul S et al. reported the first case of SFTS in Thailand. Our report describes a One Health investigation of SFTS zoonosis examining the index case and suspected animal reservoirs using real-time RT-PCR and immunoassays. We add to the report on the first confirmed case of SFTSV infection in a human in Thailand by conducting a limited but informative One Health surveillance study. Dogs and cats tested positive for SFTSV antibody using IgG ELISA. We conclude that domestic dogs and cats might serve as potential reservoirs for SFTSV spread due to their closer proximity to the index case than other non-domestic animals. Notably, we did not detect SFTSV in synanthropic cats or dogs—nor did we detect SFTSV in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks—using RT-PCR. We propose that One Health investigations coupling genomic and serologic assays in response to new SFTS cases could play a pivotal role in preventing and managing SFTS among humans and animals in East Asia. As such, we are establishing a collaborative response to SFTS in Thailand through human outbreak investigations that align with principles of One Health, through environmental surveys and animal RT-PCR and immunoassays. Our investigation highlights the importance of coupling RT-PCR with seroprevalence assays as principal elements of One Health surveillance for SFTS in order to shed light on potential animal reservoirs and track emerging zoonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion Feline calicivirus (FCV) commonly causes upper respiratory tract, oral and ocular infections in species of the family Felidae, with high prevalence amongst domestic cat (Felis catus) populations worldwide. Detection of FCV‐specific antibodies in serum provides evidence of previous infection with FCV and an indication of whether a cat may be protected against clinical FCV disease. This study describes the most extensive sampling for anti‐FCV antibodies in feral and stray cat populations in Australia, and examines variation in prevalence associated with cat age, sex and location.Blood samples were opportunistically collected from 669 feral, stray or Indigenous community cats from the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria, south‐east Tasmania and south‐west New South Wales. The sera were harvested and tested for antibodies capable of neutralising the FCV vaccine strain F9 by serum‐virus neutralisation assay.Of the 669 cats tested, 69.7% had detectable FCV‐F9‐neutralising antibodies (titres ≥5). Maturity was significantly associated with higher seroprevalence and higher antibody titres, with adult cats being more than twice as likely to have detectable FCV‐neutralising antibodies than subadults. Male cats had a higher seroprevalence and slightly higher antibody titres than females. Cats living in closer proximity to humans had significantly higher seroprevalences and higher FCV‐neutralising antibody titres than feral cats from more remote regions of Australia.Australian feral and stray cats have a high risk of natural exposure to and infection with FCV, with the prevalence and levels of pre‐existing immunity to FCV being highest amongst adult cats living in highly modified urban, peri‐urban and agricultural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]